Boardman or Carrera crossfire??

[Lizbiz1000]

Hello,
I am doing the C2W scheme and have given myself a budget of £500 for a new bike. I haven't owned a bike for a few years.

I have tried the Carrera Crossfire 3 and the Boardman MX, I find the Carrera more comfortable but should I go for the higher spec of the Boardman - is there a massive difference in the quality? If I go Carrera it means I can get accessories in my budget as well.

I am going to be using it for commute to work and the odd bike ride thro London parks.

Thanks
Liz

 

[vickster]

If riding on roads or paved parks, go for a bike without suspension. You'll be able to go quicker while expending less energy I'd say I think both of those have suspension?

 

[vickster]

How tall are you? This would make an ideal commuter and park bike and, if you don't need to pay monthly, this would be no more expensive than £500 on c2w

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/specialized-tricross-sport-54cm.125303/#post-2341734

 

[cyberknight]

Get the boardman hybrid race.
Unless your offroading you do not need suspension or knobblies and a well set up bike can be very comfy .I ride road bikes with no suspension and 23 mm wide tyres and can ride for many hours with no aches , apart from burning legs and lungs when i try to get a best time on a strava segment
Edit
That spesh tri cross is a bargain, if you wanted a do it all bike with drop bars assuming it fits.

 

[sabian92]

Suspension saps your energy so it's a waste if you're riding on the road. You only need it if you're doing hardcore trails and that sort of stuff - on the road it's just extra weight.

 

[Garz]

Pick the one that feels the best to ride.

 

[vickster]

How tall are you? This would make an ideal commuter and park bike and, if you don't need to pay monthly, this would be no more expensive than £500 on c2w

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/specialized-tricross-sport-54cm.125303/#post-2341734

And it's sold already!

 

[Sandra6]

Have you considered the carrera subway? It depends on how upright a position you like to ride in I guess.
Personally I'd go for the boardman race over the crossfire but that's not to say the crossfire isn't a good bike, if that's what you find most comfortable -go for it and enjoy!

 

[vickster]

The Boardman comp (2012 model?) looks to have a better spec than the Team with SRAM gearing and disc brakes (may be heavier though)

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_777843_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

No carbon forks though, which imo for a £500-600 commuter should be a must